‘Rebel Moon: The Scargiver’ Review: Zack Snyder redeems himself with Netflix's stunning Star Wars film
Warning: Spoilers ahead for 'Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver' is streaming on Netflix from Friday, April 19 and Zack Snyder and his team has put on a clinic in visual storytelling. While 'Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire' was not received well overall, the second part leaves no stone unturned to right the wrongs of the first part and create an engaging conclusion that will leave the viewers fulfilled.
The second part of the two-part space opera begins with the rebel survivors from 'Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire' realizing that they don't have time to rest with the Realm's forces approaching soon. The Rebel members must face their truth before taking on the enemy. All of them are fighting wounds of their pasts which would act as a motivation for them to fight harder against the Motherworld.
'Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver' shines bright with visual storytelling
The first act of 'Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver' is a study of exposition as the characters talk about their lives before they became who they are right now. From Kora's (Sofia Boutella) confession to Tarak's (Staz Nair) emotional story, the first half of the film has many cinematic sequences.
The whole sequence of The King (Cary Elwes) and his family being killed by Balisarius (Fra Fee) and Kora is like a cinematic Shakespearean sequence with the music and accoutrements adding to the tragedy. Our favorite sequence though, is the whole imagery of Tarak's backstory where the world metaphorically and literally crumbles for him.
The writing of 'Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver' is the one thing that lets this film down. As was the case in the first part of the film, the dialogues are elementary and leave a lot to be desired. But what it lacks in writing it more than makes up in its cinematic treatment.
The third act of the film is a grand conclusion to an extensive build-up. While the whole sequence of the rebel members sitting down and talking about their lives is a bit of a drag, it certainly adds to the war sequences because the audience is now emotionally more invested in the characters.
Ed Skrein steals the show 'Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver'
There are some brilliant performances in this film. Sofia Boutella is very convincing in her performance as Kora. She is mostly stern and straight-faced but in the second part she gets to portray emotional moments and she does it very well.
Ed Skerin steals the show with his performance as Atticus Noble. He is lean and menacing and does not need words to convey that. In the scene where Skerin is resurrected, he gives his absolute best as you can almost see his skull coming out of his skin. Skerin is menacing in the action sequences and kills without an ounce of mercy on his face.
Michiel Huisman and Stark Nair are very good in their roles too and Anthony Hopkins is his usual best in being the voice of 'Jimmy'.
'Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver' is a Zack Snyder masterclass
Zack Snyder is at the helm of everything in this film. He directs the film and is also the Director of Photography. He is an absolute master of creating stunning imagery.
Despite the film being heavy on visual effects, there isn't a moment in the film where you lose track of the characters even during the action sequences. Action sequences at times tend to be mindless fighting and weapon usage. What works for this film is the motivation that accompanies action.
The editing of this film is mostly crisp and to the point, however, a couple of scenes in the first half could have been omitted particularly the ones where the villagers prepare for war. It seemed a little repetitive.
Overall, the film is a big upgrade compared to its first part and deserves to be watched and cherished.
'Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver' trailer
'Rebel Moon - Part Two: The Scargiver' is streaming on Netflix from April 19, 2024